The White House Council of Economic Advisers released a new report on the Supplmental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (pdf) that highlights the short- and long-term benefits of the program, including improved food security and better health, academic and economic success. Nevertheless, the report finds that current SNAP benefits are too low. Read the Food Research and Action Center’s statement supporting the new evidence featured in the report.

12/8/2015

The House Agriculture Committee held their tenth hearing on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and related programs. The latest hearing reviewed the progress of effectively addressing domestic hunger through policies created by the National Commission on Hunger. Watch the hearing and read the testimony here.

On October 27, the House Agriculture Committee held another hearing as part of a series on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The focus was on breaking the cycle of poverty among young adults. People from the Senate made statements about the negotiations on a child nutrition reauthorization bill are progressing.

The Governor of Pennsylvania announces his renewed committment to hunger. At the Hunger Summit, he anounced the reinstatment the Inter Agency Council on Food and Nutrition, requested an update of the"Blue-Print for a Hunger Free Pennsylvania" document, and much more. Read about all details here and here.

Both chambers will return from recess September 8. All twelve FY 2016 spending bills remain undone, with little likelihood that Congress will complete any of them before the October 1 new federal fiscal year. A short term extension of all federal funding is expected.

Registered Dietitians - The Academy is commenting on the following regulations, regulatory guidance, and information/data. If you want to provide your expertese within the Academy’s responses, please contact Pepin Tuma. To read more about the proposed rules, click on the links below.

Earlier this month, the Senate adopted by voice vote a reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) (S. 192). With this bill comes funding for senior programs and protection losing it. It strives to get locally grown foods various senior programs. A new addition includes the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance to home deliver meals for seniors. It’s available here.

7/31/2015

A proposal was introduced so that low-income, disabled seniors could receive grocery deliveries with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Find more information on the proposed rule here and here. Also, find the actual proposed rule, here.

Enrollment in the SNAP is the lowest since July 2011. This information comes from the US Department of Agriculture website.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation skyrocketed in 2008-09 at the recession's peak. The cost of the program nearly doubled, reaching $80 billion in 2013. Recent reductions in enrollment - costs too - is because of the improving economy, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. It's estimated that numbers will continue to fall, with up to 1 million people losing SNAP eligibility in 2016. This is because of a three-month limit for unemployed adults who are not disabled or raising children, except in areas with sustained high jobless rates.

This map documents state-by-state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program reliance from 2000 until now.

2/17/2015

US Department of Agriculture’s Secretary Vilsack testified before the House Agriculture Committee on the progress of implementing the 2014 Farm Bill. Check the webcast of the hearing, and read his testimony here.

To get the full account of all information and updates regarding the 2014 Farm Bill, go to this US Department of Agriculture website.

1/27/2015

Review a summary of the "Dynamics and Determinants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation from 2008-2012".

The House Agriculture Committee held its organizational meeting to plan for the session. The plan includes continued close oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Anything related to nutrition within this committee can be found on page 7.

1/13/2015

Potential changes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): The house majority could use the budget process to try to cut SNAP by increasing the minimum heating assistance payment that states are required to make or by tightening eligibility provisions.

A report about the potential Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cuts that might be happening in 2016

Hunger Free Pennsylvania keeps a News reel to keep you update about news, activities and events working to fight hunger in our state.

The US Department of Agriculture selected certain states to participate in an unprocessed fruit and vegetable pilot project. See who’s participating and other details here.

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This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through
the PA Department of Human Services (DHS).
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